I’m happy to be back in Paris

Arriving back in the city where you have won a tournament is always a special feeling. I think Paris is the most special city for me, considering some of the experiences I have had here.

Even before I won the French Open, my first Grand Slam title, I had always achieved things first here: my first Grand Slam quarter-final, my first Grand Slam final, for example. And my match with Mauresmo when I was 17 – I will never forget it.

It’s amazing to think that that was five years ago. Wow, doesn’t time fly? We have to make the most of it.

Today it’s the birthday of my friend Novak Djokovic, so I would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday, and good luck in the tournament.

Unfortunately I’ve been a little ill lately so haven’t been able to prepare for this tournament the way I was hoping, but I’m sure I’ll be 100 per cent for my first match, which looks like it will be on Tuesday.

I’ve had some good practice sessions since I arrived, and I especially enjoyed getting back onto Chatrier Court, which is one of my favourite courts in the world.

It’s been a while since I wrote, and I’ve received many lovely messages of support in the last month or so, and I’d like to thank everyone who wrote to me.